Coastal Japan: Imperial Dynasties and Modern Culture

16 DAYS FROM $23,480

• Explore castles, merchant quarters, and samurai districts from Kanazawa to Uchiko. • Discover the South Korean city of Gyeongju, the crown jewel of the ancient Silla kingdom. • Visit three unique Japanese gardens, considered among the most beautiful in the country.

Expedition Cruise Light or Moderate

DAYS 1–3 I U.S./TOKYO, JAPAN Fly overnight to Tokyo. The next day, explore Meiji Shrine, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, and the Asakusa neighborhood. Conrad Tokyo Meals: 1B, 1L, 2D

DAYS 4–8 I HONSHU’S NORTHERN COAST AND SOUTH KOREA Ride the bullet train to Niigata and embark the National Geographic Resolution. Explore the geisha and samurai districts of Kanazawa. Visit Matsue Castle and the Adachi Museum of Art, and see the Zen Buddhist temples of Hagi. Sail to South Korea to experience Gyeongju, the extraordinary ancient capital of the Silla kingdom. National Geographic Resolution for the remainder of the trip | Meals: 5B, 5L, 5D

DAYS 9–12 I KYUSHU, JAPAN/YAKUSHIMA ISLAND AND SHIKOKU In the picturesque harbor city of Nagasaki, visit Oura Cathedral and Sofukuji temple, and trace World War II history at the Nagasaki Peace Park. Cruise to Kagoshima to explore Senganen Garden, set beneath an active volcano, and explore the samurai quarter of Chiran. Walk among enormous ancient cedars on Yakushima Island before sailing north to Shikoku. Meals: 4B, 4L, 4D

DAYS 13–16 I SETO INLAND SEA/OSAKA/U.S. See the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, and visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Get immersed in inspiring art on Naoshima, then learn about folk traditions at the Shikoku Mura open-air museum in Takamatsu. Tour Korakuen Gardens and Okayama Castle, and explore the sites of historic Kurashiki. Disembark in Kobe and visit the World Heritage–listed Himeji Castle before transferring to the airport in Osaka for your flight home. Meals: 4B, 4L, 3D

An Expedition Leader, a photo instructor, and a team of naturalists will accompany this trip.

Karen Kasmauski Photographer Karen Kasmauski has produced 25 stories for National Geographic magazine on topics ranging from earthquakes in Japan to oil exploration in Alaska. Her book, Impact: From the Front Lines of Global Health, published by National Geographic, was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize. Karen is a senior fellow with the International League of Conservation Photographers. Find the departure(s) Karen will join on our website.

INFORMATION

This trip is operated in collaboration with Lindblad Expeditions. Dates: This expedition is offered in September. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and vary by cabin category. Single supplement applies; please see our website. Airfare is not included in the price. The internal flight is an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and is subject to change at any time without notice.

Visit website for complete details and dates.

PRIVATE EXPEDITIONS | |

Travel independently—with all the benefits of traveling with National Geographic. Choose a unique itinerary curated by National Geographic and pick dates that work for you. Then set out to explore a fascinating place with just the companions you choose, whether it’s your spouse, your family, or a group of friends. You’ll be accompanied by your own private guides and occasionally join small groups for a safari or an afternoon cruise, depending on your destination. Stay in top accommodations, including some of the world’s leading sustainable lodges; and enjoy plenty of free time to pursue your interests and the flexibility to explore at your own pace.

EGYPT PRIVATE EXPEDITION

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BHUTAN PRIVATE EXPEDITION

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CROATIA PRIVATE EXPEDITION

PAGE 105 • A wide variety of daily activities and excursions that can be tailored to your pace and your interests

• The insight and expertise of Englishspeaking private guides who accompany you throughout the trip, as well as local experts you meet along the way

• Outstanding accommodations selected for their location, character, and high level of service, including some of the world’s leading sustainable hotels and lodges

• All breakfasts and select lunches and dinners, including specially arranged meals with local entertainment

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure and transportation during your trip

• Entrance fees and local taxes

THE PRIVATE GUIDE EXPERIENCE

During your trip, you’ll be accompanied by top private guides who share their wealth of knowledge and their inside perspective about the place you’re exploring. They’ll have recommendations to help you make the most of your free time. As you travel, you’ll also be joined by local experts, who shed light on the culture and natural history you encounter.